The new york state department of agriculture & markets will increase biosecurity and emergency planning for livestock exhibitors in new york state

The New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets received a $254,619 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) to enhance biosecurity and emergency preparedness among livestock exhibitors throughout New York State. The award, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027, funds the development of comprehensive biosecurity and emergency planning educational modules tailored for cattle, small ruminant, swine, equine, and poultry exhibitors. The project team will disseminate these biosecurity resources through virtual and in-person outreach events while promoting adoption among private veterinarians, who will utilize the materials to develop farm-specific exhibition biosecurity and emergency response plans in direct collaboration with farmers and ranchers.

This initiative addresses critical agricultural biosecurity gaps by equipping producers and front-line animal health workers with evidence-based practices to mitigate disease transmission risks in exhibition settings. By strengthening biosecurity infrastructure and emergency planning capacity, the project protects New York's food supply while safeguarding the livelihoods and economic interests of the state's farming, ranching, and rural communities.

A livestock exhibitor biosecurity and emergency planning module will be created for cattle, small ruminant, swine, equine, and poultry exhibitors. The project team will promote the educational materials through virtual and in-person outreach and engagement events. The biosecurity resources will also be promoted to private veterinarians, who can use the biosecurity resources to work directly with farmers and ranchers to create farm-specific exhibition biosecurity plans and emergency plans. Producers and front-line animal health workers benefit from learning more about biosecurity. The project will ensure a safe food supply and protect the livelihoods and economic opportunities of new york state's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.